Civil defence dills are scheduled for Saturday across Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Chandigarh, and Jammu & Kashmir as part of “Operation Shield,” following a countrywide drill held on May 7 following tensions between India and Pakistan.
These exercises comply with the instructions given by the home ministry after the Pahalgam terrorist attack.
Previously, the mock drills were planned to take place in the bordering states and Union Territories on May 29; however, they were delayed due to administrative reasons.
Operation Shield
Operation Shield returns with extensive mock drills throughout J&K, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Chandigarh to address cross-border dangers. Important events consist of Amritsar (exercise from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, power outage from 8:00 to 8:30 PM), Baramulla (exercise at 1:30 PM at Showkat Ali Stadium, GDC Ground).
A spokesperson for the Punjab government stated that total blackout measures would be enforced in neighboring civilian susceptible regions and sensitive locations, with the exception of emergency and critical services, and air raid sirens would be activated.
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The spokesperson noted that by using the authority granted under Section 19 of the Civil Defence Rules, 1968, the Union ministry of home affairs, Government of India, has resolved to conduct the second civil defence exercise across all districts of states/UTs bordering the country’s western frontier.
Moreover, a regulated blackout lasting 15 minutes will take place from 8 pm to 8:15 pm near critical facilities in Haryana, excluding essential emergency services like hospitals, fire departments, and police stations.
Officials indicated that a mock drill and blackout exercise as part of ‘Operation Shield’ are planned to take place in all 41 districts of Rajasthan on May 31, according to sources cited by ANI news agency.
During the drill, sources indicated there will be activation of centrally managed air raid sirens and full blackout procedures near civilian zones, among other measures.
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As per the strategy, the mock drills will involve practicing the evacuation of families from one of the military stations in the event of drone strikes. The deployment of healthcare teams and the transfer of blood units, among other activities, will also take place.
Why bordering states?
Authorities indicate that the second exercise targets border states because of increased threat awareness following cross-border conflicts. These areas are considered high-risk zones and vital strategic barriers against aerial or ground attacks.
